My first smartwatch! I hesitated and pondered for a long time whether I really wanted to have an “extended arm of the smartphone” tied to my arm. But my curiosity was just too great. Although I have now turned my back on Android and bought an iPhone, I couldn’t really get used to the Apple Watch – the delicate appearance reminds me too much of a strap-on smartphone for technology geeks.

Test: TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 (2nd generation) with Android Wear 2.0 meets iPhone

The first generation of the Tag Heuer Replica Connected (RRP: €1350), released at the end of 2015, can definitely be described as a success: almost 60,000 units were produced, and the model was sold out by the end of 2016. A new edition was therefore only a matter of time: for the new TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45, which was presented in mid-March 2017, boss Jean-Claude Biver is aiming for more than double that: 150,000 units are the goal. Cooperation partner Intel is also on board again, of course, contributing a powerful chip.

While the first generation of the TAG Heuer Connected offered customers the option of exchanging their smartwatch for a mechanical watch for around €1500 (!) after two years, TAG Heuer has taken the idea of ​​modularity even further with the Connected Modular 45: With a light push on the underside of the smartwatch, the horns and strap can be removed from the case surprisingly easily and without tools…

This is intended to encourage customers to flexibly exchange their smartwatch for a mechanical module from TAG Heuer, e.g. this simple three-hand module, which can be purchased for an additional 1600€:

The mechanism works really well, even if the horns have a bit of play and small scratches in invisible places under the horns are inevitable. Ultimately, the clip system can also be interpreted as a quick-change system for the strap.

It’s a shame: In the interests of modularity, the bezel cannot be replaced by the user. This is possible with the Steinhart Apollon Chronograph, for example (with tools). A simple bezel replacement is definitely on my wish list for future connected generations.